Always conscious of their rich rugby heritage, the All Blacks will visit Ramelton, Co Donegal on November 9th, three days before they play Ireland at Lansdowne Road, in a huge fillip for rugby in the region. This is to commemorate the centenary of the historic 1905-06 Originals' tour, which was captained by the Ramelton-born All Black legend Dave Gallaher.
The Originals were also the first New Zealand team to be called the All Blacks, and, 100 years on, this year's touring party will travel to Ramelton and will officially name Letterkenny RFC's home ground the Dave Gallaher Memorial Park.
The players and coaching staff will join the club's under-age players in a skills session and unveil a plaque at Gallaher's birthplace, a former drapery shop run by Gallaher's father before the family emigrated to New Zealand in 1878 when Gallaher was five years old, as well as adopting a mascot for the November 12th Test at Lansdowne Road.
Letterkenny RFC president Denis Faulkner is delighted over the All Blacks' visit. "The All Blacks involvement is an astonishing boost to local rugby. We're one of Ireland's smallest and more isolated clubs."
Gallaher first played for New Zealand against Australia in 1903, but is best remembered as captain of the 1905-06 tourists. Their tour of Britain, Ireland, France and the USA redefined the game of rugby and helped a fledgling New Zealand forge a national identity.
Gallaher died during the first World War and while several All Blacks teams have visited his grave in Belgium, the visit to his birthplace in Co Donegal is thought to be a first.
"Dave Gallaher is a great among greats," said All Blacks captain Tana Umaga. "He was instrumental in building the All Blacks tradition. We're pleased for the chance to pay our respects."
Letterkenny are one of Ireland's smallest rugby clubs and Faulkner said local organisers have been inspired by the regard for Gallaher within New Zealand rugby after 100 years. "The respect for Dave Gallaher in New Zealand is remarkable and we want him to be a household name here too. The All Blacks visit will also help develop the game in this part of Ireland."
Adopting a mascot is a relatively unusual break with All Blacks' custom.
"It's an appropriate way to mark the 100-year anniversary of the "Originals" tour," says All Blacks manager Darren Shand, "and to acknowledge Dave Gallaher's Irish heritage."
The All Blacks, also deeply conscious of their public relations, have joined with Letterkenny RFC, said Shand, out of respect for the first All Blacks captain and to promote rugby in the region of his birth. There will be a competition, open to 156 schools, asking students to submit a piece of rugby-themed artwork.
The winner will walk onto the field with the All Blacks captain and, outfitted in All Blacks kit, stand with the team during the anthems, sit with members of the squad for the match and visit the All Blacks locker-room after the game.
The mascot competition is one of a series of events planned to commemorate the 1905-06 Originals. The All Blacks will also take part in several other activities in Britain next month while the NZRU will host a public forum on the 1905-06 team next Thursday in Auckland featuring a panel of rugby historians. Meanwhile, a special section on allblacks.com features a number of commemorative articles as well as a recap of each tour match published on the anniversary of each tour fixture.
